MY NINE: Margherita Pandolfini

Contemporary textiles created in a classic greenhouse? See inside M.K.Textile Atelier

Art
and design has always been a large part of Florence’s heritage from its
earliest part in the textile industry in the Middle Ages through to its
prolific art outputs in the Renaissance. Today, Florence is still a city
steeped in the traditions of the artisan, creating hand made products using quality
textiles with studios like M.K. Textile Atelier leading the charge. Housed in a light
filled greenhouse within the tranquil gardens on the grounds of Palazzo
Pandolfini, a 15th century palace in central Florence, you will find
Margherita Pandolfini with her design partner, Karl Jorns, at work hand
painting or screen printing their original fabrics, which will soon become
table runners, tote bags or material used to up-cycle vintage chairs with a bold, modern print. Margherita's work is constantly inspired by Florence, “there is always
something new or unexpected to discover when walking around the city -
a new fresco, a new courtyard, the city has always offers something new to
discover”, with the design duo's work varied, from their homewares being sold at salubrious department stores in the past including Bergdorf Goodman or creating
one-off installations like a Bedouin style campsite for a Saudi Prince for Burning Man
festival in the U.S.A. So what inspires Margherita when not in her sun-filled studio? Here she shares her
NINE when not at the design table…

1. Galleries I Love

The Uffizzi Gallery for its beautiful
selection of paintings and sculptures and it's special to me for the unique corridor that runs across the museum on the top floor and faces the river Arno with the intricate and
gorgeous frescoed ceilings and sculptures. I also love the Bargello for its beautiful sculpture
and its incredible courtyard with the amazing staircase and
fountain where in summer they use the space for performances and contemporary art. Finally, Museo Stibbert with its wonderful collection of antique armoury and the art collection
of Frederick Stibbert. It is special to me because it is part of my family; Frederick
Stibbert was one of my ancestors and his quirky, interesting style in his collection is very inspiring to me and my work.

2. For A Perfect Dinner

Il Santo Bevitore for its great choice of
wine and sophisticated food. I really like the atmosphere and interior design.

3. For A Sweet Treat

Rivoire in piazza della Signoria for the best hot
chocolate with whipped cream they serve during the cool winter months.

4. My Florence Style

My dress sense is
more eclectic and international but I believe Italian fashion sense is about elegance, quality, with just the right touch of colour.

5. Favourite Shopping Stores & Streets

Société Anonyme in Sant'Ambrogio. I love this shop for its eclectic, trendy yet original selection of designers with a great contemporary interior
and a space which also hosts events. They have just opened a second store on via Maggio in Oltrarno, so now Florence has two great outlets.

6. For Sunset Cocktails

For sunset cocktails with a great view onto
the river Arno looking to Ponte Vecchio and across to the Uffizzi Gallery would be Golden View's Open Bar on
via de' Bardi 58/R. The seats by the oversized glass windows at the back of the bar offer priceless views of the city's incredible buildings.

7. For Art & Culture {beyond the obvious galleries}

The Fondazione
Fabbrica Europa held at Stazione Leopolda is a great institution for contemporary art exhibitions and dance performances where they showcase a selection of shows at this wonderful
venue which is an old train station just west of the city centre, its urban features only adding to the atmosphere of the events.

8. Favourite Green Space In Florence

My favourite green
spot is the Boboli Gardens and also the Rose Garden on a summers day. Both are great
places to walk around and simply relax, to soak in some nature in the heart of the city
while reading a book and admiring the view of Florence.

9. Escape To The Countryside {best day trip from Florence}

The best countryside escape is to my aunts villa in Chianti, Tizzano, near Grassina, just south of Florence. The villa has a wonderful view over the Chianti vineyards with a wonderful pool. I know not everyone can just simple pop by but it is the best way to spend a day away
from Florence; anywhere in the Chianti region is a good recommendation when travelling in Tuscany.

M.K.Textile Atelier are part of the Airbnb, On The City Trips Program, The Green House Studio - find
more details at www.airbnb.com/experiences

They are also hosting a number of bespoke events including a Christmas themed soiree with Emiko Davies and pop-up dinner in London with Kino Vino